Trip Report (February 22-27)

I haven’t done a trip report in three trips, but wanted to post this one because of the excellent favor I have been shown this time. My last trip was November 2014, in celebration of my Mom’s 75th birthday. I housed her at Encore and I split my stay between MaBay and Orleans. This trip was solo for me. I paid for the first three nights ($19, $19, $49) and the last two nights were free from MyVegas. So, February 22 arrived . . .

Sunday, February 22
In my 17 years of going to Vegas, it’s always been first flight to Vegas and first flight from Vegas. This time I took a later flight because I wanted to experience flying in at night to see the strip from the air. The pilot took a different route in and we descended from the south. I only spotted South Point. Oh well. Also, this later flight had some off-on activities. A lot of crew wanted to fly, but there were revenue passengers waiting to get on the flight so this ended up being musical chairs, opening and closing of the doors. Yeah, won’t do that again. I also opted to carryon this time and I did like that. I am not picking up my rental until Monday morning, so I took the shuttle. It. Was. Brutal. LOL!! I have been renting cars for so many years now, I forgot how LONG it takes to load the shuttle, hit every hotel and finally arrive at Mabay. And taxis are out of the question for me. Cannot stand dealing with the drivers.

Anyway, made it to check in and there was no line at 7:30p – nice! The desk attendant was pleasant and offered me two options. First option was all five nights in a standard King room. The second option was first three paid nights they would like to offer a complimentary upgrade to a SkySuite and then move the last two MyVegas nights in a standard King room. Uh – I’ll take door #2!! As the desk “angel” (yeah, she’s now an angel!) was explaining the SkySuite, I didn’t hear anything past “1000 sq. ft.”. Now, mind you, I’m a simple gal. Suites are lost on me because it’s just me, I’m not throwing a party and when the lights are out, I’m sleep. BUT, since it was offered to me, I took it. The room was 60116 which she said was on one of the penthouse floors. I walk in and I hear the angels singing, “aaaaahhhhh”! What an excellent suite. Living room, 1 ½ baths, large bedroom, huge soaking tub, separate shower, wet bar, bar. Swanky! After I unpacked, I went downstairs to thank the desk attendant again (and give her a $20), but her shift ended. I hope I can catch her before I leave. I took plenty of pics and thought this could only happen in Vegas!

Well, I was hungry so I walked to the food court to get a quick bite. MaBay was overrun with conventioneers and oddly I like the vibrancy of convention-goers. After I got a bite to eat, I hit the casino floor. I played the new Ellen slots, hit some nice bonuses on it, tripling my initial buy-in. I also played the newer Willy Wonka. Got 15 gold eggs bonus and stacked 6 Oompa Loompa screens bonus and took a ticket out of 247.00! Cute game. Called it one and came back to the suite to lounge on the couch and watch King of Queens. Yeah – I’m living the high life. LOL!!


Monday, February 23, 2015
I fell asleep to a cold and rainy night and woke up to a cold and rainy morning. And guess what ? I don’t care. It beats below zero and snowy weather back home!

I went downstairs around 5:00a, it’s my favorite time of day on the casino floor. Grab a cup a’joe and played. I found a fun machine called Yardbirds. Hit a few bonuses, but really wanted that free spin bonus. Played Miss Red, but as usual the bonus eludes me. I then left MaBay to pick up my rental, a Mazda something. On to CVS for beverages for the room and back upstairs to plan my day. I want to say again, I loved my suite. It feels like my condo at home.

I kept the car parked and walked over to MGM to pick up my ticket for KA (compliments of MyVegas). Remember when I said I like the vibrancy of the conventioneers? Well, not on the tram. It was jam-packed and they are not shy about pushing and shoving to get on. Another thing I don’t miss are the escalators on the walk bridges that never work. But the exercise did me good. After picking up my ticket, I went through the frenetic-ness of NYNY. I never liked that place. My goal was to pick up lunch at Greenberg’s Deli. I made it back to my room and had a great lunch of a corned beef, chips and cole slaw. I can now cross Greenberg’s off my food list. It was quite tasty. After lunch, I went down to play some before resting and going to MGM for KA.

One obscure thing happened. I was playing the Ghostbusters machine and some random girl came and sat next to me. I didn’t see her putting money in nor did I see her talking to anyone. She just sat next to me. I looked over at her and she was looking at the scrolling message on my machine. You know the one with your name and point balance. I cashed out and took my ticket. I moved to the extreme diagonal corner of the casino floor and started playing Miss Red (I really don’t believe that machine has a bonus round! LOL!!). I look to my right and there is the girl again. I got that hinky feeling and cashed out again. It’s not like I am betting huge amounts or have gold and diamonds dripping from my body, so I don’t know what her angle is. I took my ticket and just sat there looking back at her. After a few seconds, she walked off toward restaurant row. It unnerved me a bit and was ready to look for security. After that, I lost the mood to play so I came upstairs.

On my way out to valet, I saw the desk angel and gave her a thank you card with a $20 in it. She was thankful without even opening the envelope.

Got to MGM and while waiting to go into KA, I played an Elton John machine. I got the I’m Still Standing bonus with a small win. I was expecting a more fun and interactive machine to represent Sir Elton. It kind of fell flat. On to KA. This is my second time seeing this show. I had a better vantage point this time as I was 4th row, so I was more into the story and appreciated the precision of the dance and acrobatics. I love KA, but still put MJ1 and Mystere ahead of it. Afterward, I picked up the car from valet and headed back to MaBay. I grabbed a slice of pizza to go from Slice and it was the worst 9 bucks I have spent this trip. The slice was greasy, flat in flavor and instead of pepperoni I got cheese. Oh well. I stayed and played on the casino floor for a while and started getting the sleepy eyes. Up to the room for lounging on the couch and watching Big Bang Theory.


Tuesday, February 24
Woke up a bit late and went down for coffee and a morning of play. I had a nice run on Firehouse Hounds and Yardbirds.

Upstairs, I fell into a long nap and woke up starving, so I drove over to The Boiling Crab for some carryout. On the way back, I had to stop at Walgreens to get some air freshener because that food is PUNGENT! I enjoyed my shrimp, mussels and corn, but the fries and calamari were COLD. My suite is lit up with the smell so I try and cover with the air freshener and have to wash my hands about ten times. LOL!! Afterward, I went downstairs to play some and with garlic, cajun and lemon pepper smell wafting after me! I did well on the Yardbirds and also MJ’s Wanna Be Startin Something. I called it an early evening because the casino floor was quite crowded and I couldn’t get on a few of the machines I like. No worries, there are 6 episodes of BBT coming on. And tomorrow is another day.

I stopped at the Front Desk to inquire if I could request a room near the elevator for tomorrow after I check out of my suite. The guy told me I could stay in the suite . . . . at a discounted rate of $150. Uh, no. The reason I spent all that time clicking away on MyVegas is to get these last two nights free. Nope, don’t want to pay that, sir, but thank you.


Wednesday, February 25
Early morning on the casino floor with my cup a’joe and hit a nice bonus on MJWBSS. Sometimes I just play that machine just for the music! I also played Cat’s Meow. I like the bonuses on that machine. After an hour or so of play, I went to the front desk and changed rooms. I checked out of 60116 (sniff, sniff!) and checked into 13104, which affords more strip view and still across from the airport. And it’s one room off the elevator, which is my preference when traveling solo. MaBay is a wonderful property and the service is top-notch. I developed a motto, “life is too short to stay in bad hotels”.

After I settled in the new room, I ventured out to UNLV to pick up a tshirt for me and some basketball shorts for my son. There were signs around campus about a Celebration of Life for “Tark” that will take place over the weekend. Free to all, at the T&M Center. It should be a nice tribute. I left UNLV and headed for Target to pick up a couple things and some of their popcorn. I love their popcorn! After I was back, I was able to pick up my ticket for Love at the MaBay box office (compliments of MyVegas). Then I went to the buffet for lunch. You know, I like MaBay buffet, but today the pickings weren’t appealing so I had two plates of mashed potatoes, brussel sprouts sautéed with garlic and red peppers (YUM!) and breakfast sausage. LOL! What a combination. For dessert, I tried the bread pudding and have officially found my new favorite sweet thing to eat. It was glorious! I left out and played a bit more and then retired to my room for a few hours of down time and computer work. Those mashed potatoes got me sleepy so I fell into a nice nap.

Waking refreshed, I went down to Mizuya to get some delicious sushi and sashimi. I got the mixed greens with ginger dressing, scallop sashimi and a Tiger Roll. I had a nice talk with the sushi master. He was explaining the scallops were from Japan and very expensive. He was explaining where all their fish comes from. The scallops were buttery, fresh and firm. Very nice. Bill came to $45.00. A bit pricy, but I was pleased. Left to play on a Bridesmaid machine which I got several small bonuses. I called it an evening and went to my room for the night.

My schedule in Vegas is pretty much like my schedule at home. I wake at 4:30a for work and by evening, I’m wiped. Same in Vegas. Besides, when I’m in Vegas solo, I don’t hang too late by myself.


Thursday, February 26
I went down for my cup a’joe and some play. I hit some good bonuses on three machines. On MJ machine, I cashed out and stashed my ticket for $76.10 from playing a $20. On Bridesmaids machine, I cashed out and stashed my ticket for $64 from playing a $20 and on a machine called Sultan’s something, I cashed out and stashed my ticket of $57.45 from playing a $20. Now I am going home with some money. LOL!!

I finally went to Freed’s Bakery and Viva Las Aperas as both had been on my food list. At Freed’s, I got a chocolate buttercream cupcake and a red velvet cupcake. Then at VLA, I ordered the black beans and rice, fried plantains, wood-fire beef arepas and the reina pepiada arepas. This was my first experience with Venezuelan food and I really enjoyed it. I couldn’t finish everything. I was SO full, I couldn’t even look at my cupcakes, so I save them for a late night sugar rush. After I ate I went down to play a bit on a Kitty Glitter game. I had one bonus that doubled my buy in and then some, so I cashed out and came upstairs. I have Love tonight at Mirage, so I freshened up before leaving out.

I gas up and head for the Mirage. I have to say this about Love: It was phenomenal! I can now rearrange my list of Cirque shows I’ve seen by likeness: MJ1, Love, Mystere and KA. When Love opened with a fantastic number, I was thinking, “dang, how can they top this?” From beginning to end, I was moved. MJ1 had me in tears, Love had me misty almost in tears. The theatre is in the “rectangle”, so there is no bad seat. I sat in section 200, 4 rows up, aisle seat. The music, dancing, audience interaction was all great. I am so glad I finally saw it. I would definitely see it again. While at Mirage, I played Titanic (one good bonus) and Jetsons (meh).

Back to MaBay, I played a machine called Planets. The music and graphics were beautiful. I popped in a $20, hit two bonuses and cashed out with $82. I stopped by the Mlife desk to see how many points I would need to maintain Pearl through 2016. The desk attendant told me I made it. Yeah! Not bad for a gal who just started staying and playing at MaBay since June 2014. And I’m a low-roller, for real.

So, I get upstairs and pack up. I have the first flight out so I hit the hay.

Friday, February 27
Up early and out the door thinking, “what a great trip”. I mean, for me, every trip to Vegas is great, but with the chance to stay in a SkySuite, it was extra-great! I was ready to come home as always. I love Vegas, but I love my home. I go to Vegas enough to have a balance of both.


Trip Notes
I charged all meals and gift shop purchases to my room. I wanted to maintain my tier for another year, so every bit helps.

The only casinos I played in this trip were MaBay, MGM and Mirage. I was tempted to play at Orleans, but I have no desire to go there anymore. I have had a good relationship with them, but since I’ve established a relationship with Mlife, I’m hooked.

Back home, bakeries open as early as 5:00a. How odd Freed’s doesn’t open until 9:00a.

I had a winning trip!

Next trip is booked - June for my birthday. Where am I staying? MaBay!

Thanks for reading!

 

Great report. I'm staying 2 nights at Mandalay Bay in June as well

 

Great report - I've been down to Mandalay Bay a few times and it just seems SO HUGE it overwhelms me.

Are there areas in the main casino that feel less cavernous? I've had some experiences there where it just felt like it took forever to even see a cocktail waitress. I want to like that casino but I just feel like I'm doing it wrong.

Enjoyred reading your report and congrats on a winning trip!

 

Great trip report! I was actually watching King of Queens while reading this so that was funny to see you mention it in your review.

 

Loved your report! I travel solo myself most of the time, and relate to everything you did! I also love CIRQUE, my fav is MJ1, then Mystere, then O.

Thanks again!

 

Thanks for sharing, and congrats on the winning trip!

I enjoyed MJ1 also, and I've been talking to my girlfriend about seeing Love on our next trip. Good to hear that you enjoyed it.

DF

 

I need you to come be my "vacation coach". I try so hard to relax and slow down the pace out there and I just cannot get it right.

I miss getting those fun upgrades, just haven't been able to score one in a while (too much staying close to the weekends grrr). Of course it is a waste on me anyway since I can't keep my butt in the room! Break the cycle, Tracy, just do it! LOL

 

Great report! I wish I could score an upgrade like that!

 

Nice!

 

Thanks to everyone for the kind words and great responses!

To answer . . .

abrolsma: You know, MB is a huge place with high ceilings and brighter lighting than most places. That’s the appeal for me. My feeling of a cavernous casino is Aria. Aria is dark and the machines are squeezed in tight. Where MB starts to feel cavernous for me is walking through restaurant row. Drink servers were plenty, even walking up close to ask if I wanted a drink. In some places, you see a glimpse of servers whiz by and never make eye contact. But at MB, I have never had an issue. Although,I always have water with me.

momnkid: It’s a process, believe me. I’ve been going to Vegas 3 times a year since 1997. It has only been since . . . hmmmm . . . 2007 that I have learned to slow down and savor Vegas. I keep a running list of things to do, places to eat and shows to see. What I don’t get to in February, it goes on my June list. What I don’t get to in June, goes on my October list. You’ll hit your groove at some point.

 

Or even friendly service at MB. They were complete assholes to us when we stayed there via myVegas.

Glad to see that not ALL the employees there are like that. Nice report VegasGroove!

 

Thanks, tringlomane!

 

Win right out of the gate with your comp Sky Suite upgrade; I'd love to see photos of it. I have never stayed at MBay but sounds like perhaps it would be a good choice for my MyVegas points. I have 450,000 to use.

Solo trips are wonderful to be able to do whatever you want yo do whenever you want to do it!

Congrats on coming home a winner!

 

Thanks, Breanna!

I would love to post pics here, but never have.

Okay, this is my project to learn now.

 

Enjoyed your report. Skysuite and a winning trip on top of it!!! Sorry to hear you fell victim to the Slice of Vegas - worst slice I've had in my life.

 

Thanks, RoyalFlusher!

That Slice was a joke. Never again.

 

Enjoyed your TR. Missed not seeing any slot porn pictures.

As to why the bakeries don't open at 5AM? Local rules. Out in "real Las Vegas" the bakeries operate as normal.

The Starbucks in Hong Kong don't open until 10AM local time, because that's how the city runs.

Sounds like you had a great time!!!

 

Congrats on the upgrade and having a winning trip! I enjoyed reading your trip report.

 

Great trip report, thanks for sharing!
Please don't let the trolls on this board dissuade you from sharing your pictures.

 

VG - a very fine Trip Report. Thanks for taking time to write it and post. Enjoyed all the details about the adventure. Great score on the SkySuite.

later, GVJ